Mike Tyson set many world records throughout his boxing career but one former heavyweight world champion looks poised to break one of them upon his return.
When Roy Jones Jr ended a five-year hiatus to box UFC star Anthony Pettis, ‘Captain Hook’ broke Jack Johnson’s record as the former heavyweight world champion with the longest boxing career, having fought professionally for over 33 years (12,384 days).
However, that record was topped again the following year, when Tyson’s controversial comeback against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul took place, with his career being extended to 14,499 days – almost 40 years.
Another veteran who made a return, and maintained his activity, is former WBC heavyweight king Oliver McCall, who has boxed three times since November 2024, registering two stoppage wins and a draw.
At present, McCall’s professional career, which began in November 1985 and currently extends to June 2025, consists of a total of 14,458 days – just 41 short of Tyson’s record.
However, in an interview with World Boxing News, Jimmy Adams of Country Box, the promotional outfit which has staged McCall’s recent fights, confirmed that ‘The Atomic Bull’ will return to the ring during 2026.
“He is fighting again. For real, Oliver called me personally to say he wants to go again, and I’m looking to get him a date soon on Country Box,”
Any fight from this point onwards will see McCall become the new record-holder as the former heavyweight world champion with the longest professional career. Yet, another professional outing from Tyson cannot be ruled out, with his exhibition against Floyd Mayweather poised to take place next month.